Assessment of Electromagnetic Spectrum Reallocation, Response to Title X of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000

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On behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has prepared this report to the President and the Congress as required by Title X of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (NDAA-2000). NDAA-2000 requires NTIA to convene an interagency review and assessment of certain spectrum reallocation issues in coordination with the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and with Federal executive agencies via the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). The review includes: 1) Progress made in implementation of national spectrum planning; and 2) The spectrum reallocations made in accordance with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA-93) and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA-97), and the resulting implications to Federal executive agencies.

This report provides an assessment of electromagnetic spectrum reallocation from Federal to private-sector use in accordance with requirements of Title VI of OBRA-93 and Title III of BBA-97. The report, addressing progress in national spectrum planning, implications of past spectrum reallocation actions, and anticipated impact of future potential reallocations, was prepared in coordination with affected Federal agencies, and the FCC. As directed by NDAA-2000, the assessment focused particular attention on impacts of such reallocations on military capabilities, civil space programs, and Federal public safety systems.